Stellenbosch rocket past TS Galaxy into MTN8 semifinal

The home team started strongly, with early chances for both Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams, but neither effort troubled Galaxy goalkeeper Wensten Van Der Linde.

Andre De Jong had a prime opportunity to put Stellies ahead in the 14th minute, but Van der Linde made a crucial save. Two minutes later, Tony Van Wyk had another chance but fired just wide.

Against the run of play, Galaxy took the lead in the 18th minute when Mike Sebelebele scored with a well-placed shot from outside the area.

Stellenbosch equalized in the 25th minute when Adams raced into the box to meet a pass from De Jong and chipped the ball over Van Der Linde to make it 1-1.

Both teams had half-chances over the next ten minutes, with Van Der Linde making a top save to deny Devin Titus in the 40th minute. From the resulting corner, De Jong's glancing header from Fawaaz Basadien's cross gave Stellenbosch a 2-1 lead.

At halftime, it was Barker's team with the advantage. In the second half, despite challenging pitch conditions, both sides continued to attack.

Stellenbosch extended their lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute. After some impressive interplay, Basadien scored from the left side.

Galaxy had a chance to score from a free kick in the 78th minute, but Galaxy goalkeeper Sage Stephens comfortably saved Puso Dithejane's attempt. They came close again in the 85th minute, but Kyle Jurgens cleared the ball off the line.

With a minute left in regulation, Macbeth Mahlangu received a red card for a second yellow, leaving Galaxy with ten men as the match concluded.

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